Abstract: A cutting tool has a housing. A blade bar projects forwards from the housing along a longitudinal axis. An electric drive motor drives the blade bar. At least one battery supplies the drive motor with electrical energy. The blade bar, the drive motor and the battery are mounted on the housing. The cutting tool has a top handle arranged above a center of gravity of the hedge trimmer, and a rear handle arranged behind the hedge-trimmer center of gravity. The battery is arranged on the housing at least mainly in front of the rear handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a horticultural light for use in a horticultural facility that projects a substantially uniform target illuminance onto a flat surface or that projects increasing target illuminance onto a flat surface that increases as the beam angle increases with respect to the optical axis. A lens array of the horticultural light mechanically maintains an optimal separation distance between each LED of the horticultural light and the corresponding lens of the lens array. Each lens of the lens array receives the raw light distribution from the LED and then distributes an optically varied distribution having a nominal centerbeam intensity with an increasing beam intensity as the beam width increases. As the distance to target increases, so does the intensity of the light distribution, which projects a substantially uniform target illuminance, or an increasing target illuminance with increasing angle of incidence, onto a flat surface.

Abstract: In order to support a plant in a bucket that has a top and outside rim, a trellis base having a base surface portion and a rim engagement portion is disclosed. These portions seat on the top and outside rim of the bucket and extend around and beneath the top and outside rim of the bucket. A bottom portion of a further extension wall carries a hold down means which when positioned beneath the top and outside rim of the bucket, anchors the trellis base on the bucket. An inward bias means to inwardly bias and maintain the hold down means in position can also be used. The base surface portion carries at least one removable upright trellis holding means to removably carry the plant trellis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to fixtures, systems and methods for providing vegetation grow light fixtures with auxiliary power and/or data communication ports or hubs allowing for expansion of their functionality, modularity and adaptability. The addition of power or communication ports integrated with a grow light fixture enables other components to be connected directly to and powered by the grow light fixture. Such components may include but are not limited to supplemental lighting, sensors and actuators.

Abstract: A device for cultivating liana plants for functioning as a trellis post and a part of the irrigation system.

Abstract: An emitter is arranged inside a tube and has: an emitter main body that is constituted by a resin molded body that has at least a recessed part and a through hole; and a flexible film that is joined to at least one surface of the emitter main body and that forms a flow path by closing off the recessed part and an opening part of at least one part the through hole. The emitter has a discharge amount adjusting part that is for making adjustments in accordance with the water pressure inside the tube. When the pressure of an irrigation liquid that is inside the tube is at or above a set value, the film slackens, and the discharge amount adjusting part narrows the flow path of the liquid and reduces flow rate.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of optical sensors located along at least one pipe segment of a rotating arm that pivots around an irrigation area of a field, the plurality of optical sensors continuously monitors soil and vegetation conditions and transmits sensed data to a central computer, and a plurality of in-ground sensors scattered in the irrigation area of the field, the plurality of in-ground sensors continuously monitors soil conditions and transmits sensed data to a plurality of gateway devices located in the rotating arm, the plurality of gateway devices transmits data from the plurality of in-ground sensors to the central computer where data from the plurality of optical sensors and the plurality of in-ground sensors is integrated with external data to determine water and fertilizer needs based on which an irrigation schedule is created.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates systems and methods for providing remote irrigation system operation. In any embodiment, the method for a home automation system may include coupling an irrigation control bypass module with a legacy irrigation control panel associated with a legacy irrigation automation system. The method may also include setting the legacy irrigation control panel to an inactive state, and operating the legacy irrigation automation system based at least in part on a first set of one or more instructions received from the irrigation control bypass module. In any embodiment, the irrigation control bypass module may be initiated based at least in part on a second set of one or more instructions received from the home automation system.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a rice F1 seed, including crossing a rice male sterile line of Koshihikari containing one or more genes selected from the group consisting of the sd1 gene, the Gn1 gene and the hd1 gene derived from Oryza sativa L. cultivar Habataki, or a rice male sterile line exhibiting semi-waxiness as a seed parent, with a rice fertility restorer line as a pollen parent, and collecting the first filial generation seed (F1 seed) from the post-crossing seed parent; and a rice male sterile line containing one or more genes selected from the group consisting of the sd1 gene, the Gn1 gene and the hd1 gene derived from Oryza sativa L. cultivar Habataki.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vision-based pollination system. The vision-based pollination system includes a mobile support apparatus configured to traverse a crop field. The mobile support apparatus supports a pollination liquid storage tank fluidly coupled to a plurality of pollen applicators. The apparatus includes pollination nodes including a vision system and a camera. Each pollination node is coupled to and controls a portion of the pollen applicators. In operation, the mobile support apparatus traverses the crop field, each pollination node repeatedly taking photographs of a portion of the crop field, identifying locations for delivering the pollination liquid, and determining when to operate the pollen applicators to deliver the pollination liquid to the identified locations as the vision-based pollination system traverses the crop field.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X18H540 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X18H540 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18H540 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18H540, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18H540. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18H540.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH432147. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH432147, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH432147 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH432147.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH905940. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH905940, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH905940 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH905940.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH963625. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH963625, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH963625 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH963625.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH617105. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH617105, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH617105 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH617105.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated X12302. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety X12302, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety X12302 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety X12302.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated 26R59, the plants and seeds of wheat variety 26R59, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety 26R59 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 26R59 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 26R59. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety 26R59 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated XW13W, the plants and seeds of wheat variety XW13W, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety XW13W with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety XW13W with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety XW13W. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety XW13W and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated W040637U2, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W040637U2, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W040637U2 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W040637U2 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W040637U2. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W040637U2 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A novel alfalfa variety designated 54VR70 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing an alfalfa plant that comprise crossing alfalfa variety 54VR70 with another alfalfa plant. Methods for producing an alfalfa plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 54VR70 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the alfalfa seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Alfalfa seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing alfalfa variety 54VR70 or a trait conversion of 54VR70 with another alfalfa plant or population. Alfalfa populations derived from alfalfa variety 54VR70, methods for producing other alfalfa populations derived from alfalfa variety 54VR70 and the alfalfa populations and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13K450W and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K450W with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K450W through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K450W, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K450W. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K450W.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PUEE37 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PUEE37, cells from soybean variety 5PUEE37, plants of soybean 5PUEE37, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PUEE37. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PUEE37 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PUEE37, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PUEE37, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PUEE37. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PUEE37 are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lettuce cultivar Julian and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce plants of the invention with themselves or another lettuce plant. The invention also provides lettuce plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-stacked-hinge-door pet crate comprises top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear panels attached to one another, multi-function slanted urine-storing bed having built-in gutters and ridges disposed on the bottom panel, a grooming platform, multi-function shock-absorbing gussets covering all the corners of the panels to lock the grooming platform and to absorb shocks and vibrations, and a multi-function door having double hinges thereon to allow door to open and fold, triple locking rods to lock the multi-function door the front panel, a palm knob with palm recesses and palm hills for an arthritic to use without the need for folding his or her fingers, a spring-loaded palm knob to lock the multi-function door against and parallel to the top panel, and double magnets attached to the multi-function door and the front panel, respectively, to stop the multi-function door from swinging.

Abstract: A pet watering apparatus which can be refilled as water is removed by evaporation or by a thirsty animal, which apparatus has a vessel, overlaid by a platform having a base and at least one leg, which platform has at least 2 apertures therein of one size and a central smaller aperture therein. Disposed in one aperture is a bottle capable of holding water, having a modified Yorker cap thereon, disposed in an inverted position; the Yorker cap's spout having been cut off at about a 45 degree angle. A siphon filter may be disposed through the platform's central aperture to the vessel for connection to a pump to re-circulate water through the siphon for microbe removal. An optional water chiller may be deployed on the platform.

Abstract: A dog boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate, preferably of durable material such as heavy nylon. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, tensioning straps, and strategically located cushioning pads are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching.

Abstract: An apparatus for gesture control and directional force on remote object based on smart wearable is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a user's gesture, a communication unit, and a controller configured to generate a command for a virtual leash based on the detected gesture, and to control the communication unit to transmit the command to a collar of a pet.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification device is provided. The device includes a sound or motion sensor that is configured to generate electrical signals in response to an occurrence. The device may include a filter, which is tuned to recognize sound frequencies received by and emitted in proximity to a microphone, and generate an electrical signal in response to recognizing sound frequencies characteristic of a dog's bark. The device further includes a canister that holds a deterrent fluid at substantially ambient pressure. The device additionally comprises a pump configured to draw fluid from the canister in response to the electrical signal from the filter. The pump has a spray nozzle for releasing an emission of the fluid that affects the dog's senses. A method of modifying the behavior of an animal using the device is also provided herein.

Abstract: A pet toy infusing device includes a base, a removeable cover and a porous insert. The base includes a cavity, and has an opening configured to enable access to the cavity. The removable cover is configured to cover the cavity. The porous insert is removably disposed inside of the cavity between the base and the cover, the porous insert having an interior surface defining a pet toy holding area, and being configured to prevent a material disposed inside the cavity of the base from entering the pet toy holding area, while enabling a pet toy disposed in the pet toy holding area to be infused with the material.

Abstract: An improved pet cat toy, including main body, where main body is made of textile material and has hollow interior, wall of main body is provided with first opening and second opening on different sides, first opening is provided with first outer interlayer that includes open seal and can open and close first opening, second opening is provided with perspective second outer interlayer, inner interlayer including open seal is disposed between first opening and second opening, interior of main body is divided into first cavity and second cavity, and catnip capable of being replaced is filled in first cavity and second cavity separately. The present utility model is reasonably designed, has simple structure, can expose part of catnip, and enhances attraction to pet cat and master thereof. Besides, internal catnip can be replaced in time and conveniently, enduringly keep the toy attractive, and the toy can be recycled, lowering cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a motorized carriage for supporting and transporting a representation of a barrel which can be used as a visual target for a barrel or cutting horse. The carriage is provided with a pair of treads for making contact with and moving the carriage over the ground. The pair of treads is coupled to a driving mechanism having two motors, each coupled to one of the treads via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be a chain-drive mechanism, a belt-drive, a gear-drive, a direct drive or other mechanism. The motorized carriage may include a radio receiver for remote control of the motors.

Abstract: A retractable leash device (e.g., for pets, children, or the like) having a length control system for limiting the extendable length of a main line is provided. The device includes a cover plate mounted on a wind-up spool and having at least one ridged channel that interacts with a length control switch during line extension to control the extendable length of the main line while simultaneously maintaining the retractability of the main line.

Abstract: The mussel culture rope is made of interlooped hitches providing hollows, crevices and cavities for sheltering young mussels against predators and for providing extended attachment surface to retain growing mussels. The loopwork is a recyclable type loopworks having a fixed knot at a starting end thereof and a releasable knot and a loopwork release segment at a terminal end thereof. The loopwork is recycled into a plain rope during harvest and braided again for a subsequent culture cycle.

Abstract: A bird capture net which allows the use of quickly adjusting the height for capture and release is described, which includes height adjustable poles attached to bird netting.

Abstract: A novel and improved flexible and pivoting mounting system and an on/off tail switch for a spinning wing decoy is disclosed to thereby provide a spinning wing decoy capable of imitating the lifelike movement of a bird in takeoff, sustained flight and landing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (i.e., preservation solutions) for preserving biologies comprising at least one membrane penetrable sugar, at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, at least one anti-microbial agent, at least one anti-oxidant, adenosine, albumin, a salt, a buffer, and a chelating agent, and to methods of using such preservation solutions to preserve biologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryopreservation (freezing) medium which can be used for long-term storage of cell lines, tissue samples, sperms, oocytes and embryos. The invention enables to freeze and store cells without affecting cell viability, to increase cell viability and to protect multipotent properties of the cells. The invention facilitates freezing and storing sperms, eggs, embryos, plant cells and materials, cancer and sensitive cell lines, stem cells (embryonic and mesenchymal), blood and blood cells and biological material and organs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing and conditioning red blood cells are disclosed. The methods and systems may be used to make a readily transfusible red blood cell product with reduced plasma. In general, the plasma content of the supernatant of the red blood cell product is no greater than about 15%. The red blood cell products are prepared using the disclosed methods and systems remain transfusible for up to 42 days.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of storage, treatment, assessment and transport of an organ or tissue includes a cooling container configured to cool the organ or tissue, a perfusion circuit configured to perfuse the organ or tissue, and a sample compartment for holding a biological sample. Preferred apparatus has a first internal compartment under a first cover (lid) of the apparatus that includes the coolant container and the sample compartment. The apparatus can include a second internal compartment under a second cover (lid) of the apparatus, the second internal compartment including at least part of the perfusion circuit and a sample compartment.

Abstract: Modified mineral-based fillers with enhanced retention of at least one active ingredient and/or enhanced antimicrobial capabilities are described. The materials comprise at least one mineral-based filler subjected to at least one modification process, which may be either a cationic modification process, a surface adsorption process, a surface retention process, or a combination thereof, with at least one active ingredient, followed by at least one thermal treatment. The at least one active ingredient may be a metal substance or other biocide, fungicide, mildewcide, antibiotic, insecticide, preservative, or antimicrobial agent. Methods for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of products in applications such as polymers, clothing, surgical equipment, coatings, and paints are also described.

Abstract: A self-generated antimicrobial alcoholic foam prepared by combining an alcoholic pre-mix comprising at least 50 wt. % of a lower alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic pre-mix, at least one acidic component, and at least one waxy component; and an aqueous pre-mix comprising a carbonate. A dispenser and a two-part refill for a dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: An antibacterial/antiviral coating material is provided, which allows for forming a highly water-resistant antibacterial/antiviral coating film. The antibacterial/antiviral coating material is obtained by blending, into an acrylic-melamine resin coating material, a quaternary ammonium salt (A) represented by Formula (1) below, and a polyhydric carboxylic acid (B) having a C6 or more hydrocarbon group and two or more carboxyl groups. (In Formula (1), R1 represents a C8-22 alkyl group; R2A, R2B and R2C each independently represent a C1-3 alkyl group; and X represents a halogen atom).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mixtures, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these mixtures, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and for enhancing plant health.

Abstract: A replication inhibitor for a virus belonging to the genus Mastrevirus of the family Geminiviridae, which comprises a zinc finger protein that can specifically bind to full length DNA of stem loop region of the virus, or one or more partial DNAs selected from the full length DNA, and can inhibit formation of a stem loop structure.

Abstract: Described are fat compositions (e.g., shortening composition and shortening particles) that are suitable for use in preparing batter or dough products such as biscuits, pizza crusts, pot pie crusts, cinnamon rolls, or dry mixes for same; the fat compositions can be low in trans fatty acids with moderate levels of saturated fatty acids. For example, fat compositions may comprise less than about 2% wt. total trans fatty acids and a total of less than about 70% wt. saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.

Abstract: The prevent invention relates to a fondant comprising a sugar system made up of a first non-crystalline phase and a second crystalline phase, wherein the non-crystalline phase contains isomaltulose and sucrose and wherein the crystalline phase contains isomaltulose. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof, the use of the fondant as icing, coating or filling for baked goods and baked goods that are completely or partially coated with the fondant according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are sugar reduced aerated confections. The confections essentially comprise a first heterogeneous continuous phase including a structured amorphous saccharide, a second discontinuous phase including a multiplicity of gas cells. The first heterogeneous continuous phase includes a multiplicity of crystals distributed evenly throughout also including about 1%-35% by dry weight basis of a non-hydrated polysaccharide filler ingredient preferably starch in the form of discrete particles evenly distributed through the continuous phase having a mean particle size distribution of preferably less than 150 microns. The confectionery food products find particular suitability for use as ingredients for reduced sugar children's RTE cereals.

Abstract: An apparatus for popping corn, cooking candy, and mixing candy and popcorn is disclosed herein. A multi-purpose kettle can include one or more rotatable stir assemblies that can be positioned at the bottom of the kettle to mix the popcorn and/or the popcorn and candy. The kettle can be heated to a first temperature to pop corn kernels and produce popcorn, and heated to a second temperature to cook the candy. In some embodiments, the kettle can be positioned at an angle to mix the popcorn and the candy.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an inner tube extending longitudinally along a central axis and having an inner surface bounding a product chamber and an outer surface having a plurality of channels disposed at circumferentially spaced intervals in alternating relationship with a plurality of fins about the circumference of the outer surface of the inner tube; and a longitudinally extending outer tube disposed coaxially about and circumscribing the inner tube in radially spaced relationship, the outer tube having an inner surface contacting the plurality of fins of the inner cylinder, the outer surface being welded to the fins at a plurality of weld locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for enzymatic production of food protein ingredients from keratin-containing proteinaceous materials and the resulting compositions. The process includes treating a proteinaceous containing material with an amount of a reducing agent, followed by hydrolysis of the keratin by a proteolytic enzyme to efficiently and economically convert a keratinaceous protein source into a palatable, highly digestible protein food product.